Hair switch



(.No' Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheret 2.

. J. Y. BORDEN.

- HAIR SWITCH. N0. 578,623. -PatentedMaL 9, 1897.

fica 3, l 5,

UNITED- 'STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES Y. BORDEN, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.v

HAIR SWITCH.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 578,623, dated March 9, 1897.

Application filed May 19, 1896.

puffed, or twisted similar to the natural hair,

dispensing with the ordinary long core.

Afurther object of the invention is to make the switch in sections, so that one or more sections can be used as required.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a rear view of one section of a hair switch illustrating my invention. Fig. 2 is a view of the other section. Fig. 3 is a rear view showing the two sections coupled. Fig. 4 is an exterior View showing the sections coupled. Figs. 5 and 6 are diagrams showing the method Vof folding the hair weft to form the structure. Fig. 7 is a view of a sectional hair switch coupled on edge, so as to form a switch with a central opening; and Fig. 8 is a view of the switch, showing the sections coupled to form a switch with a central opening.

Hair switches as universally made are formed of weft attached to a central core, which ordinarily extends at least one-third the length of the structure. Consequently the structure is not susceptible of being twisted and puffed the same as the ordinary hair. A certain amount of twisting and pufling may be accomplished, but this must be done with the core or center forming part of the twist. The hair cannot be puifed and rolled up to the point of attachment to the head, as in the switch made in accordance with my invention. Furthermore, by the use of my switch having a central opening natural hair of the head can be passed through this opening when it is wished to cover it by the hair of the switch, and the switch makes a complete cover. The

hair of the head simply is used as a filler or body. This is particularly useful where the hair is partially colored.

Referring in the first instance to Figs. 1 to Serial No. 592,168. (No model.)

The main body of each section one strand of hair weft being set slightly in advance of the other, so as not to make the base d thick and clumsy. After the weft has been passed a number of times back and forth, according to t-he required weight of the switch, I then make the heading or cover by extending the weft across the top a one or more times, so that the hair from the weft thus placed acts as a cover for the root ends of the hair held by the loop, so that when the switch is examined from the front the base d lis not visible. A base made in the manner dcscribed is pliable and flat and can be secured tightly against the head.

In making the heading d' I preferably extend the weft one complete turn, so as to place a strand of hair weft at the back as well as at the front, and this back strand of hair I pass through the loop, making a neat finish to the structure. i

At the upper end of the switch I form one or more loops b, through which can be passed a hair-pin or comb to attach the switch to the hair of the head, and when it is required to attach the two switch-sections A A' together to form an enlarged switch I preferably provide one section with hooks c and the other section with eyes c', forming complementary fastenings or other means of attach-ment, so that by simply coupling the two sections a thick switch can be used if fashion so requires; but if very little hair is worn then a single switch can be used by simply uncoupling the sections. Furthermore, by making the sections coupled in the manner described they can be opened and laid fiat upon the head, so that they can fall to each side and side puffs can be readily formed. The strip B is sewed onto the heading to cover the end and to serve also as a name-strip.

The switch shown in Figs. 7 and 8 can be made much heavier than that shown in Fig. l and can be either made in two sections coupled together by suitable fastenings or may be made in one section, the ends having fastenings by which they can be coupled so as to form a tubular switch. In this instance the loops 'of hair weft are formed in the man- IOO ner described in my aforesaid patents and are placed side by side, and attached to the sections are a series of loops b', through which a hair-pin or comb can pass to secure the switch to the head. An advantage of this switch over the ordinary switch is that the base is wide and tiat,so that it can be attached in this flat condition to the hair of the head and combed and dressed to form the broad rolls at the back of the head, or the ends of the section can be attached to form a hollow switch,through which can be passed the natural hair of the head, thus covering up the hair of the head and using it as a core or filler. This is especially of advantage to persons whose hair is partly colored and where they wish to dress the head in one shade of hair.

Fastening devices may be secured to the upper end of each section as well as at the sides, so that they can be secured together side by side or end to end.

I claim as my invention- 1. `As a new article of manufacture a corele'ss hair switch made up of a series of strands of the hair weft secured together in the form of a loop, with strands of hair weft forming a heading for the loop, the hair of the eXterior strands extending over the loop and covering it, substantially as described.

2. As a new article of manufacture, a coreless switch made in two sections, each section composed of a series of strands of hair secured together in. the form of a loop and heading-strands secured thereto, forming a pliable and [iat base, with complementary fastenin gs on the headings of the two strands for detachably securing the same together, substantially as described.

3. As a new article of manufacture, ahair switch composed of a series of loops, each loop being formed of a series of strands of hair weft secured together forming a flat base with complementary fastenings upon the edges of the outermost loop, whereby the said loops may be secured together to form a hollow switch, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JAMES Y. BORDEN.

Vitnesses:

NVILL. A. BARR, J os. H. KLEIN. 

